20170017_0014

© Mickaël CASTRO/Antoine LE DUIGOU/IRDL/CNRS Images

Reference

20170017_0014

Lames de bio-composite reproduisant les mouvements de la pomme de pin

Bio-composite strips reproducing the natural movements of the pine cone, which opens and closes according to ambient humidity. These biomaterials, based on flax fibre, are immersed in water to observe their opening, which is reversible, on contact with moisture. Pine cones are in fact natural hygromorphic actuators. The bi-layered structure of the scales is the source of this movement. On contact with moisture, a twist is produced by the hygroscopic deformation resulting from differential swelling between the two layers. This experimentation is undertaken with a bio-inspired approach. Dynamic cladding or solar tracker applications can now be considered.

CNRS Institute(s)

Regional office(s)

Scientific topics

CNRS Images,

Our work is guided by the way scientists question the world around them and we translate their research into images to help people to understand the world better and to awaken their curiosity and wonderment.